Moody Coliseum boomed with energy Monday night as SMU students of all ages and affiliations cheered on their Homecoming candidates at the “Rock The Vote” event.

Organized by Student Foundation, the event marks the kickoff of SMU’s 88th Homecoming Week. Students showcase their spirit with signs, balloons, blow horns and crazy costumes that represent this year’s theme: Dynamic Duos.

Senior accounting major Hilary Skillman said Rock the Vote has always been her favorite part of Homecoming week.

“There’s so much school spirit!” she said, “Plus I love all the balloons.”

The event featured performances from the SMU Cheer Squad as well as the SMU Poms Team and got students excited about the upcoming week.

While the main focus of the pep rally is meant to foster school spirit, it also gives the student an opportunity to meet all of the candidates for Homecoming King and Queen.

Each candidate had the opportunity to address the crowd and was asked one question by the emcees.

This year, the potential Kings and Queens were asked to do everything from shoot a half-court shot, to show off their best dance moves, to compare themselves to a kitchen appliance.

Kyle Cantrell, the student representing Christian fraternity Beta Upsilon Chi was asked to show the last picture he took on his cell phone. He proudly showed the whole arena a “selfie” he took in front of Centennial Fountain.

In the middle of the madness, the students in attendance were surprised by an appearance from men’s basketball coach Larry Brown, who expressed his appreciation for the students’ support.

“The only reason we’ve been so successful in this building is because of you,” he said, “It means a lot to this team. This school is pretty special.”

Voting for Homecoming King and Queen started Monday and the winners will be announced at half time of this weekend’s football game against the University of South Florida.